Stobart Energy opts for Bridgestone tyre deal
Tyre giant Bridgestone has announced it has entered into a first-time commercial fleet partnership with Stobart Energy.
Stobart Energy is a major supplier of biomass fuel, with long-term contracts in place to supply nearly two million tonnes of fuel to energy recovery facilities, generating renewable energy equivalent to the annual domestic electricity needs of two per cent of the UK population.
The fleet will be running almost exclusively on the Bridgestone Duravis R002, which is designed to lower operational costs by significantly reducing cost per kilometre due to its wear performance and optimised fuel efficiency. Designed for the versatility segment, the Duravis R002 is available to all types of on-road fleet operation and is said to deliver outstanding wet grip.
Simon Cartwright, Stobart Energy’s director of logistics, said: “We were highly impressed by the Bridgestone team, right back when we were first introduced in May 2020.
“We were made to feel extremely valued by Bridgestone, who spent a great deal of time understanding what we wanted. No stone was left unturned in this regard and we struck up a good rapport immediately.
“We were well aware of the quality and performance benefits associated with Bridgestone’s tyres, but the commercial agility shown during the tender process as a whole – from an operational perspective – was something that really resonated.
“The Bridgestone Partner network impressed us too, as we knew we’d be dealing with independent tyre dealers who are passionate in providing a memorable service, precisely because they are running their own businesses. This model really appealed to us.”
Bridgestone adapted to meet the bespoke needs of the Stobart Energy fleet, for example in its recommendation and alteration of its tyre specification for operation in Scotland, where the roads and weather patterns are typically more demanding than other areas of the UK. Two vehicles in Scotland that required a more aggressive tread to cope with arduous conditions were specially equipped with M-Series tyres.
Simon added: “We work from 14 locations from the north of Scotland to the south of Wales and south east of England. Bridgestone didn’t come to us with a ‘one size fits all’ solution, but a bottom up approach, having understood the unique demands of our fleet to begin with.”
Simon said the environmental credentials of the Duravis R002 were key factors when deciding to partner with Bridgestone.
“Being so closely aligned with renewable energy means that we have an absolute obligation to manage our carbon footprint responsibly and continually improve in this area. This manifests itself in a number of areas, one of which being the rubber on our wheels. Bridgestone’s products impressed us in this regard.”
Bridgestone’s UK fleet sales manager Ian Davis added: “It is a huge coup to be able to work with Stobart Energy, who share our passion in developing solutions that benefit the community and environmental as a whole.
“We were keen to demonstrate a consultative approach from the word go. There are a lot of bespoke factors that work together to comprise a fleet package and it was crucial that we worked up with a solution around these factors, explaining every aspect clearly as talks progressed.
“From the moment we met Stobart Energy, we felt we were dealing with a company we could really relate to on a cultural level, as well as a professional one. Communication has been brilliant from day one and we are extremely excited to work with the Stobart Energy team and support them on a daily basis with our products and services.”
Bridgestone’s extended CV tyre range
Recent additions to the Bridgestone commercial tyre range include the Duravis All Season, unveiled in June last year. Aimed at the light truck segment, it is designed with both small and large fleet operations in mind, and is said to be ideal for professionals who want to maximise their business efficiency and stay in control with the same tyres throughout the year.
“Achieving a best-in-class EU label A-grade in wet grip, the product allows fleets to keep going even in adverse weather conditions,” said Bridgestone.
“The tyre delivers this through high-volume slots in its shoulder for improved water evacuation and an optimised contact pressure distribution. This latter design feature also improves the tyre’s snow and wear performance.”
Meanwhile, the Ecopia H002 is said to achieve best in class fuel efficiency through an EU label A-A-A grade combination in steer, drive and trailer.
“By using new Ecopia tyres on steer, drive, trailer axles, an average long haul fleet would be able to make more than a €200,000 saving per year on fuel costs and reduce their CO2 emissions by 546 tonnes per year,” said the firm.
Bridgestone also highlighted its Duravis R002 range.
“Developed and tested in partnership with 17 fleets across 13 countries and a wide variety of operation conditions, the latest generation of Bridgestone Duravis tyres is designed for the versatility segment…
“The Duravis R002 offers a boosted wear life that is up to 45 per cent percent improved on its predecessor and a cost per kilometre that is reduced by 15 per cent vs predecessor (average steer, drive and trailer). And for savings not only in terms of cost, but also CO2 output, the new Duravis provides optimised fuel efficiency, with a B-C-B combination in steer, drive and trailer.”
Bridgestone has additionally unveiled a new flagship tyre in the city bus segment, the U-AP 002, which launched last month.
“Successor to the U-AP 001, the tyre has been designed to lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions in congested urban areas thanks to decreased rolling resistance,” said Bridgestone.
“Plus, by increasing tyre life through enhanced durability, the result is a tyre enabling a reduced total cost of ownership.”
